2018 RAM Promaster Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 RAM Promaster, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1225.5%
- Electrical1123.4%
- Powertrain (other)612.8%
- Visibility48.5%
- Brakes36.4%
- Tires & wheels24.3%
- Steering24.3%
- Body & structure24.3%
- Interior & seats12.1%
- Driver assistance12.1%
- Airbags12.1%
- Exterior lighting12.1%
- Transmission12.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. However, the open safety recall remains unresolved, and because no remedy exists yet, the recall cannot be completed. This is my sole work vehicle, and the unresolved recall is preventing lawful completion of the import/registration process in Canada and preventing me from using the vehicle for work. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer and an authorized dealer as an open recall with no available remedy at this time. I am reporting that the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was started, and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an AAA location and was informed to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-speed radiator cooling fan failed to engage as designed, causing the engine to overheat. Due to the overheating, the engine became warped, causing a coolant leak into the cylinder, and causing escaped gases to enter the cooling system. The contact was informed that the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine and radiator cooling fan assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,584.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is subject to open safety Recall 67C involving the cooling fan module and related fuse protection in the engine compartment. The recall has been open since October 2025. The manufacturer and dealer have confirmed that the remedy/parts are still not available and that there is no ETA for repair. At this time, I have not experienced an obvious operating failure with the vehicle itself. However, the open safety recall remains unresolved, and because no remedy exists yet, the recall cannot be completed. This is my sole work vehicle, and the unresolved recall is preventing lawful completion of the import/registration process in Canada and preventing me from using the vehicle for work. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer and an authorized dealer as an open recall with no available remedy at this time. I am reporting that the manufacturer has failed to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The contact attempted to remove the key from the ignition; however, the key was stuck for several minutes before the contact was able to remove the key. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition warning harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and found an undisclosed NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was Driving down the highway at 45-50 mph when the truck suddenly the engine started to rev very high approximately 5000-5500 rpm and the truck lost all Drive gears. I immediately put it in neutral and tried again to put it in drive and nothing happened. I immediately pulled over to the shoulder and shut the truck off. I waited and restarted the truck but the truck did not have any movement in any gear. I had to get it Towed to a local shop.
THE VEHICLE SHIFTS OUT OF PARK ON ITS OWN , IT HAS ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE AND HIT MY MERCEDES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, THE STEVENS CREEK RAM DODGE DEALER IN SAN JOSE TOLD ME , THERE IS A RECALL ON THE COMPUTER CAUSING THE MALFUNTION FOR VEHICLES MFG FROM JULY 2018 TO 2022 , BUT ACCORDING TO MY VIN ITS NOT A RECALL, ONLY THE SHIFT CABLE , VIN [XXX] . HOWEVER MY DATE OF MFG IS JULY 2018 , AND SHOULD TO FALL IN THE RECALL EVENT 44A YES STEVENS CREEK DODGE CHECKED IT , THEY WILL ONLY REPALCE SHIFT CABLE NO WARNING LAMPS COME ON, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS STAYS ON INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver's side exterior mirror design flaw/failure. Safety of self and others at risk due to lack of visibility in checking for clear rear and lateral traffic. Mirror shakes uncontrollably and or is unable to be adjusted for proper viewing of rear and lateral traffic. Many warranty claims have been submitted through dealerships as well as various online complaints having been issued. No in-dash warning lamps or messages would appear for this type issue. This issue appears to be affecting driver's side mirror only and not passenger side. Symptoms of driver's side mirror failure do exist in various stages prior to overall failure. Considerable mirror shake and inability to keep mirror adjusted due to such shake. Problem has been ongoing with some reports having detailed up to 3 changes of driver's side mirrors by dealership for single vehicle.
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT FOR THIS VAN. THERE ARE TWO VISIBILITY PROBLEMS THAT MAKE THIS TRUCK UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAYS. FIRST, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO GIVE A FULL VIEW OF THE ROAD. IT IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO SEE OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS. ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES HAD AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 7, 2018 DUE TO THIS VISIBILITY PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD THE DRIVER MUST ASSUME A BENT OVER POSITION WHICH MAKES IS DIFFICULT TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THE POSITION ALSO CAUSES BACKACHES AND EXTREME DRIVER FATIGUE. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME TO JUST ADJUST THE SEAT LOWER. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT ON MY MODEL. SECOND, THE VISIBILITY OUT THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS SEVERELY OBSTRUCTED BY A THICK DOOR PANEL AND IMPROPERLY DESIGNED REVIEW MIRROR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VAN SHOULD BE RECALLED FROM U.S. ROADWAYS. IT IS SO BAD THAT I AM SELLING MINE AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF TAKING POSSESSION OF IT. I WISH THAT I HAD NOT WASTED MY MONEY ON THIS HAZARDOUS PRODUCT. EVEN THOUGH ITS TOO LATE TO HELP ME, PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO PROTECT OTHER OWNERS AND THE PERSONS THEY MAY INJURE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear parking brake pivot point gets stuck in the on position. After some research, this is VERY common on these vans and is going to cause wrecks or deaths. The pivot point where the parking brake connects to the rear parking brake linkage rusts and gets stuck VERY easily. My van only has 60,000 miles on it. There is no sensor in this pivot point, so when you release the parking brake, it seems like it is off—but it is not. No indication no warning.. Tire spun and van drove fine until the breaks failed. 100 miles down the road, my rear calipers were glowing red, which caused my rear parking brake to catastrophically fail, causing the rear tire to seize and almost leading to a wreck. Luckily, I had plenty of water on board to put out the rotor fire.
During some cases of downhill driving, the Brake system warning light will come on. I believe this issue is tied to a combination of longer and steeper downhill drives when the angle indicated in road side sinage is no less than 6%. Minimal braking ton control the decent is used. Each time this occurs, I take the nearest off ramp to pull over to a stop and turn off the engine. My visual and hand-test of each wheel/tire temperature finds in my opinion, the temps to be quite nominal. On the last trip, a digital laser thermometer also indicated a good balance across the four wheels/tires, with no issues to be concerned with. Under the hood, the Master cylinder, ABS controller, Power Brake unit, brake fluid vessel and brake lines were all cool to the touch. Brake fluid in the vessel is clear and full. Each time the engine is restarted, the warning light is off and the drive can be continued with no further incident unless a similar long and relatively steep downhill is encountered. Time of day and outside temperature seem to not matter. Safety is compromised when I cannot trust that the warning light is, or is not indicating a real problem Reference RAM PROMASTER 3500, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
LT225/75R16 We started experiencing very noticeable vibrations when driving at highway speeds. We brought the van to our dealer for service and they responded "Please replace at least both rear tires. Right rear seems to have ruptured internally?" "Please replace that right rear tire asap." We had the tire removed and you can see the attached photo of the inside of the tire where something has obviously failed. These tires only had about 17,000 miles of use. I still have the bad tire.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My power steering locked up and almost caused an accident. The dealer said they are having trouble with this component (corrosion in plug). I have a fleet of trucks, and I just had the same issue with a 2023 model which I also almost lost control of the vehicle. This is a defect or poor design that needs to be recalled before someone get seriously hurt.
-Vehicle shut off on highway, lost power steering Vehicle fan sounds like it's running full speed after turning off engine. Turning key off and pulling out did not shut off engine. Engine appeared to be overheating. Electric system was making lots of clicks and odd noises. Power steering pump went out in intersection. Police helped push van out of traffic.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DOOR LATCH SUDDENLY BECAME COMPLETELY DISABLED. THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH, SHUT PROPERLY, LOCK OR STAY CLOSED.
WE HAVE DODGE VAN 1500 2018. THERE IS MANUFACTURER DEFECT BODY IS CRACKING AND RESCUING MY DRIVERS. DOOR HINGES ARE CRACKING VERY RESKY DOOR MIGHT FLY AWAY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT FOR THIS VAN. THERE ARE TWO VISIBILITY PROBLEMS THAT MAKE THIS TRUCK UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON THE HIGHWAYS. FIRST, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO GIVE A FULL VIEW OF THE ROAD. IT IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO SEE OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS. ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES HAD AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 7, 2018 DUE TO THIS VISIBILITY PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD THE DRIVER MUST ASSUME A BENT OVER POSITION WHICH MAKES IS DIFFICULT TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THE POSITION ALSO CAUSES BACKACHES AND EXTREME DRIVER FATIGUE. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME TO JUST ADJUST THE SEAT LOWER. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SEAT ON MY MODEL. SECOND, THE VISIBILITY OUT THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS SEVERELY OBSTRUCTED BY A THICK DOOR PANEL AND IMPROPERLY DESIGNED REVIEW MIRROR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VAN SHOULD BE RECALLED FROM U.S. ROADWAYS. IT IS SO BAD THAT I AM SELLING MINE AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF TAKING POSSESSION OF IT. I WISH THAT I HAD NOT WASTED MY MONEY ON THIS HAZARDOUS PRODUCT. EVEN THOUGH ITS TOO LATE TO HELP ME, PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO PROTECT OTHER OWNERS AND THE PERSONS THEY MAY INJURE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service Hill Holder, Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with codes HAF, DTC, P0740, TCC clutch performance, and metal debris found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
RV BATTERY DEAD AFTER BEING STORED. USED RV BUSTER FROM THE HOUSE BATTERY AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, ON THE DASH, AND STAYED ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A RAM PRO 2500 IN APRIL 2018. I START MY BUSINESS AS AN OWNER-OPERATOR AND STARTED DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS (INTERSTATE DELIVERY). AFTER 2 WEEKS, THE NAVIGATION, LIGHT AND SOMETIMES BEHIND THE STRAIGHT WHEEL DASHBOARD SCREEN STARTED TO TURN OFF (WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND USING NAVIGATION). AFTER THAT CIGARETTE LITTER DIDN'T WORK ANYMORE. I CONTACT THE SERVICE SHOP AND TOOK THE CAR TO THEM, THEY SAID IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL AND THEY SWITCHED THE FUSE OR MAYBE FUSES. I START AGAIN MY BUSINESS. THIS TIME, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT START TO NOT WORK AND AFTER A FEW DAYS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POPPED UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SERVICE SHOP (WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR) FIRST-DAY I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT A BIG DEAL, AND IT WILL BE FIXED SOON. AFTER 3 DAYS THEY CONTACT ME AND TOLD ME: THE CYLINDER HEAD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND SOME OTHER WORKS! (REALLY A RAM PRO 2500 AFTER 6 MONTHS NEED TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD!!!!). I SAID I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE CAR JUST PLEASE FIX THE CAR. ANYWAY, AFTER 20 DAYS I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS READY. LAST SATURDAY I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR, BUT IT WAS ONLY 2 MILES SINCE I DROVE, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT POPPED UP AGAIN. I WENT BACK TO SERVICE SHOP (AS I MENTIONED DODGE DEALERSHIP SERVICE SHOP), THEY RESET THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND SAID IT IS GOOD TO GO. I HIT THE ROAD TOWARD MY HOME, AFTER EXACTLY 6 MILES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SERVICE SHOP. I WAS TOLD, LEAVE THE CAR UNTIL MONDAY. TODAY (MONDAY AFTER 24 DAYS) THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE CAR HAS A NEW ISSUE THAT WILL COST ME A $520 MORE TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER ALL, THIS CAR IS MY INCOME. I BOUGHT THIS VAN BRAND NEW WITH HOPPING TO NOT TO GO TO THE SHOP AND NOT TO STOP MY INCOME, BUT NOW, AFTER ONLY 6 MONTHS I CROSSED WITH LOTS OF PAYMENT WHICH ARE NOT DUE YET AND HAVE NO CAR NOR INCOME NOR HOPE. MOREOVER, EVERY DAY MORE PROBLEM AND MORE CHARGE!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service Hill Holder, Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with codes HAF, DTC, P0740, TCC clutch performance, and metal debris found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .